The Inquiry Are we closer to a European army?
Jun 17, 2025
The discussion kicks off with a bold proposal for a European army, ignited by the Spanish Prime Minister's vision for lasting peace amid growing security concerns. Historical debates since the 1950s are revisited, revealing varying opinions on this military initiative. The podcast dives into Europe’s military readiness, especially in light of support for Ukraine, and scrutinizes NATO's influence on defense strategies. Additionally, the urgency for increased defense spending leads to a critical examination of Europe's path toward self-reliance as it seeks to bolster its military capabilities.
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Political Use of European Army Talk
- Calls for a European army often serve domestic politics rather than actual foreign policy changes.
- Eastern European countries worry it might accelerate US military withdrawal from Europe.
Europe's Military Strength vs Readiness
- Europe's combined military size is comparable to the US, but actual war readiness depends on logistics and deployment.
- NATO remains central to European military organization and interoperability.
Challenges to European Army Formation
- Creating a unified European military requires countries to give up sovereign military decisions and economic interests.
- Practical issues like language, command, and equipment complicate forming a European army.